Scope mount apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A scope mount apparatus for attaching an optical scope to a firearm is provided. The scope mount apparatus includes at least one base with at least one fastening element for attaching the base to the firearm. The scope mount apparatus also includes two scope rings operatively connected to the at least one base. An integral sighting system is mounted with respect to the base. The scope mount apparatus is configured such that an unobstructed line of sight extends between the scope rings and the base. The unobstructed line of sight contacts or intersects the sighting system so that a user of the firearm has the option of using either a scope in the scope rings or the integrated sighting system to aim at a target.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/090,805, filed Oct. 13, 2020, and which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to mounts for attaching an optical scope to afirearm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Firearms typically employ sights to enable a shooter to aim the firearmto increase the likelihood that the projectile from the firearm impactsthe shooter's intended target. For example, a firearm may have anoptical sight, which is sometimes referred to as a “telescopic sight” ora “scope,” mounted thereto. An optical sight employs lenses or otheroptical elements to magnify a target. Iron sights include two members ofvarious shapes spaced along the length of the firearm; a user employsthe iron sights by aligning the two members, or features thereof, with atarget. Other types of sights include “red dot” sights and laser sights.

SUMMARY

A scope mount apparatus for attaching an optical scope (i.e., atelescopic sight) to a firearm is provided. The scope mount apparatusincludes at least one base with at least one fastening element forattaching the base to the firearm. The scope mount apparatus alsoincludes two scope rings operatively connected to the at least one baseand configured to retain the optical scope. An integral sighting systemis mounted with respect to the base. The scope mount apparatus isconfigured such that an unobstructed line of sight extends through anopen space between the scope rings and the base. The sighting system iswithin the open space. The unobstructed line of sight may contact orintersect the sighting system so that a user of the firearm can use thesighting system to aim at a target.

Thus, the scope mount apparatus provides a shooter with the option ofusing either the scope or the sighting system integral to the scopemount apparatus. In one embodiment, the line of sight (as viewed fromthe perspective of a shooter employing the firearm to which the scopemount apparatus is attached) is directly below the scope so that nolateral head movement is required for a shooter to switch betweenemploying the integral sighting system and employing the scope. Theintegral sighting system may be iron sights, a red dot sight, a lasersight, etc.

The scope mount provided herein improves upon the prior art by providingyet another sighting system to a firearm without having to permanentlyalter the firearm with expensive modifications. The integral sightingsystem is part of the scope mount apparatus, and thus installation ofthe scope mount apparatus to a firearm automatically results in both theability to connect a scope, and an auxiliary sighting system, i.e., theintegral sighting system, which provides a shooter with two sightingoptions.

Each type of sighting system has characteristics that make it apreferred option in different shooting scenarios or conditions. Forexample, iron sights and red dot sights are typically preferred forshort-range shooting. The scope mount apparatus provides a shooter withthe option of using the integral sight system in short-range shootingwhere the scope would be less effective. The integral sight system mayalso facilitate spotting a distant target that would be difficult tofind in the scope due to the scope's narrow field of vision. Thus, thescope mount apparatus provided herein has beneficial application inhunting scenarios, home defense scenarios, and law enforcementscenarios. In at least one embodiment, the scope mount protects theintegral sight system from damage or movement by placing the integralsight system between two lateral walls.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages ofthe present disclosure are readily apparent from the following detaileddescription of the best modes for carrying out the disclosure when takenin connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic, side view of a scope mount apparatus having firstand second scope mounts attached to a firearm and securing an opticalscope to the firearm;

FIG. 2 is a schematic, perspective view of a portion of the scope mountapparatus;

FIG. 3 is a schematic, perspective view of the first scope mount;

FIG. 4 is a schematic, rear view of the second scope mount;

FIG. 5 is a schematic, rear view of the scope mount apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a schematic, perspective view of another scope mount apparatusin accordance with the claimed invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic, side view of the scope mount apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic, perspective view of the scope mount apparatus ofFIGS. 6 and 7 illustrating the process of installing a first iron sightmember;

FIGS. 9A-9D schematically depict a first group of differently configurediron sight members;

FIG. 10 is a schematic, perspective view of the scope mount apparatus ofFIGS. 6 and 7 illustrating the process of installing a second iron sightmember;

FIGS. 11A-11D schematically depict a second group of differentlyconfigured iron sight members; and

FIG. 12 is a schematic, perspective view of yet another scope mountapparatus in accordance with the claimed invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, wherein like reference numbers refer to likecomponents throughout, a scope mount apparatus 10 and its components areschematically depicted. Referring specifically to FIG. 1, the scopemount apparatus 10 is shown connecting an optical scope 14 to a firearm18. The firearm 18 in the embodiment depicted includes a stock 22, agrip 26, a fore-end 30, and a barrel 34 as understood by those skilledin the art. The top of the barrel 34 or the receiver 36 includes anaccessory mounting system 38. Those skilled in the art will recognize avariety of accessory mounting systems 38 that may be employed within thescope of the claimed invention.

In the embodiment depicted, the accessory mounting system 38 is a railmounted to, or integrally formed on the top of, the firearm's receiver36. The rail depicted is a picatinny rail, though other rail designs,such as a dovetail rail, may be employed within the scope of the claimedinvention. The scope mount apparatus 10 in the embodiment depictedincludes a first scope mount assembly 42 and a second scope mountassembly 46.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the first scope mount assembly 42 includes afirst scope mount member 48. The first scope mount member 48 includes afirst scope mount portion 54, which includes the upper surface 56 of thefirst scope mount member 48. The upper surface defines asemi-cylindrical cavity 58. The first removable member 50 also includesa surface that defines another semi-cylindrical cavity 62.

The first removable member 50 is selectively attachable to the firstscope mount member 48 such that the semi-cylindrical cavity 58 and theother semi-cylindrical cavity 62 cooperate to define a first cylindricalhole 66. In use, the scope 14 extends through the first cylindrical hole66 between the first removable member 50 and the upper surface 56, asshown in FIG. 1. The first scope mount portion 54 and the removeablemember 50 thus cooperate to form a first scope ring 68.

The first scope mount assembly 42 also includes a first fasteningelement 70 that is engageable with the accessory mounting system 38 toconnect the first scope mount assembly 42 to the firearm 18 (as shown inFIG. 1). The first scope mount member 48 also defines a first aperture74 between the first fastening element 70 and the scope mount portion54. More specifically, the first scope first scope mount member 48includes a first base portion 78 that, in the embodiment depicted,cooperates with the fastening element 70 to interface with the accessorymounting system 38. Two walls 82 extend vertically from the base portion78 and interconnect the base portion 78 and the scope mount portion 54.The base portion 78, the scope mount portion 54, and the two walls 82define the first aperture 74 therebetween.

The second scope mount assembly 46 contains structure similar to thefirst scope mount assembly 42. More specifically, and with reference toFIGS. 1-2 and 4, the second scope mount assembly 46 includes a secondscope mount member 148. The second scope mount member 148 has a secondscope mount portion 154, including upper surface 156. More specifically,the upper surface 156 of the second scope mount member 148 defines asemi-cylindrical cavity 158. The second removable member 150 alsoincludes a surface that defines another semi-cylindrical cavity 162. Thesecond removable member 150 is selectively attachable to the secondscope mount member 148 such that the semi-cylindrical cavity 158 and theother semi-cylindrical cavity 162 cooperate to define a secondcylindrical hole 166. The scope 14 is retained in the second cylindricalhole 166 between the second removable member 150 and the upper surface156. The second scope mount portion 154 and the removeable member 150thus cooperate to form a second scope ring 168. The first and secondremovable members 50, 150 may be attachable to the first and secondmembers 48, 148 by threaded fasteners or other fastening elements.

The second scope mount assembly 142 also includes a second fasteningelement 170 that is engageable with the accessory mounting system 38 toconnect the second scope mount assembly 46 to the firearm 18 (as shownin FIG. 1). The second scope mount member 148 also defines a secondaperture 174 between the second fastening element 170 and the scopemount portion 154. More specifically, the second scope mount member 148includes a second base portion 178 that, in the embodiment depicted,cooperates with the second fastening element 170 to interface with theaccessory mounting system 38. Two walls 182 extend vertically from thebase portion 178 and interconnect the base portion 178 and the scopemount portion 154. The base portion 178, the scope mount portion 154,and the two walls 182 define the second aperture 174 therebetween.

The scope mount apparatus 10 is thus configured to retain an opticalscope 14 within the scope rings 68, 168. The scope mount apparatus 10also includes an integral sight system 176. The integral sight system176 may have a variety of configurations within the scope of the claimedinvention, including, but not limited to, iron sights and “red dot”sights. In the embodiment depicted, the integral sight system 176 is ofthe “iron sight” configuration. More specifically, the first and secondscope mount assemblies 42, 142 cooperate to define an iron sight system.

As understood by those skilled in the art, “iron sights” employ firstand second sight members 200, 204. A shooter employs iron sights byaligning the sight members 200, 204, or aligning certain geometricfeatures or characteristics of the sight members, with the shooter'sintended target. Those skilled in the art will recognize a variety ofiron sight member configurations that may be employed within the scopeof the claimed invention. For example, the first sight member 200 maydefine a circular hole and the second sight member 204 may be a blade;the user aims by aligning the tip of the blade and the center of thecircular hole in the first sight member with the target.

In the embodiment depicted, the first sight member 200 is a rectangularplate with a notch 208 formed in the upper surface 212 of the firstsight member 200. The first sight member 200 is part of the first scopemount assembly 42 and is mounted to the base portion 78 of the firstscope mount member 48 such that the first sight member 200 extends fromthe base portion 78 into the first aperture 74.

In the embodiment depicted, the second sight member 204 is a pin or postthat is part of the second scope mount assembly 46. The second sightmember 204 is mounted to the base portion 178 of the second scope mountmember 148 such that the second sight member 204 extends from the baseportion 178 into the second aperture 174.

When the first and second scope mount assemblies 42, 46 are mounted tothe firearm 18 via the accessory mounting system 38, as shown in FIG. 1,the first and second apertures 74, 174 are aligned with each other inthe longitudinal direction (relative to the barrel 34). Accordingly, aline of sight 216 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barrel 34extends unobstructed through both the first and second apertures 74,174, and a shooter employing the firearm 18 has the option of usingeither the sight members 200, 204 or the scope 14. In other words, thescope mount apparatus 10 is configured such that the line of sight 216is unobstructed for the length of the firearm 18.

FIG. 5 schematically depicts the scope mounting apparatus 10 as it wouldappear to a shooter of the firearm 18 when the first and second scopemount assemblies 42, 46 are connected to the accessory mounting system38 as shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 5, the first and second sightmembers 200, 204 and an intended target are visible to the shooterthrough the first and second apertures 74, 174, and the second sightmember 204 is alignable as seen in FIG. 5 within the notch 208 foraiming purposes, as understood by those skilled in the art.

It should be noted that the scope mount apparatus 10 is configured suchthat open space (including apertures 74, 174) is between the scope rings68, 168 and the bases 78, 178. The open space is also between the scope14 and the rail (i.e., the accessory attachment system 38). The line ofsight 216 extends through the open space. The sighting system 176,including iron sight members 200, 204 extend into the open space. Itshould be noted that, in an embodiment employing a red dot sight, lasersight, etc., the sighting system may be attached to only one of thescope mounts 42, 46 and extend within only one of the apertures 74, 174.

It should also be noted that, for some sighting systems, such as a lasersight, the sighting system may obstruct a line of sight. In such ascenario, a line extends through the open space and the sighting system.

The firearm 18 shown in FIG. 1 does not include iron sights integrallyformed or pre-attached to the barrel 34. Accordingly, by attaching theapparatus 10 with the iron sight members 200, 204, the apparatus enablesthe shooter of the firearm 18 with the option of using either the scope14 or the iron sights 200, 204. A method of using the apparatus 10 mayinclude obtaining or possessing a firearm 18 without iron sights,installing the first scope mount assembly 42 (with the first sightmember 200) to the firearm 18, and installing the second scope mountassembly 46 (with the second sight member 204) to the firearm 18 asshown in the Figures. The method may also include installing the scope14 to the firearm 18 via the scope mount assembly 10. Installing thescope 14 may include inserting the scope into the first and secondcavities 58, 158 and then attaching the members 50, 150 to the first andsecond scope mount members 48, 148 so that the scope 14 extends throughthe holes 66, 166.

In the embodiment depicted, the rear sight, i.e., sight member 200, isadjustable left and right (as seen in FIG. 5) by rotating an adjustmentpin 240. The front sight, i.e., sight member 204, is a threaded pin andcan be adjusted up and down (as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5) by rotating thesight member 204.

It should be noted that the scope mount apparatus 10 protects the ironsight members 200, 204 within the apertures 74, 174. More specifically,the structure of the scope mount members 48, 148 surrounds the sightmembers 200, 204 on four sides, leaving only the fore and aft directionsopen and unobstructed. The structure of the scope mount members 48, 148thus provides some protection from tree branches, etc. when the firearmis carried while hunting while still permitting a shooter to employ thesight members 200, 204 to aim at a target.

It should also be noted that, although the scope mount apparatus 10 inthe embodiment depicted includes two separate scope mount assemblies 42,46, each defining a separate scope mount portion 54, 154 forming a scoperetention ring and each including a respective sight member 200, 204,the scope mount apparatus 10 may include a single assembly having asingle scope mount member within the scope of the claimed invention. Forexample, and within the scope of the claimed invention, a single scopemount member may define a single aperture having an integral sightsystem contained therein, and one or more scope rings for retaining anoptical scope.

Accordingly, the scope mount apparatus 10 includes first and secondscope rings 68, 168 and at least one base. More specifically, the scopemount apparatus 10 includes two bases 78, 178. The scope mount apparatus10 also includes at least one fastener 70, 170 operatively connected tothe at least one base 78, 178 and engageable with the accessoryattachment element 38 to attach the at least one base 78, 178 to thefirearm 18. The scope mount apparatus 10 also includes structure, i.e.,walls 82, 182 interconnecting the at least one base 78, 178 and thefirst and second scope rings 68, 168.

A sighting system 176 is mounted with respect to the at least one base78, 178. The sighting system 176 is positioned relative to the scope 14such that, when the at least one fastener 70, 170 is operativelyconnected to the accessory attachment element 38, a line 216 extendsthrough the open space between the scope rings 68, 168 and the at leastone base portion 78, 178. The line 216 also extends between the scope 14and the base portions 78, 178. The sighting system extends into the openspace (i.e., sight member 200 extends into the aperture 74 and sightmember 204 extends into the aperture 174).

FIGS. 6-11, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components fromFIGS. 1-5, schematically depict another scope mount apparatus 310according to another embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, whereinlike reference numbers refer to like components from FIGS. 1-5, thescope mount apparatus 310 is shown connecting a scope 14 to the firearm18. The scope mount apparatus 310 in the embodiment depicted includes afirst scope mount assembly 342 and a second scope mount assembly 346.

The first scope mount assembly 342 includes a first scope mount member348. The first scope mount member 348 includes a first scope mountportion 354. More specifically, the upper surface 356 of the first scopemount member 348 defines a semi-cylindrical cavity 358. A firstremovable member 350 also includes a surface that defines anothersemi-cylindrical cavity 362.

The first removable member 350 is selectively attachable to the firstscope mount member 348 such that the semi-cylindrical cavity 358 and theother semi-cylindrical cavity 362 cooperate to define a firstcylindrical hole 366. In use, the scope 14 extends through the firstcylindrical hole 366 between the first removable member 350 and theupper surface 356, as shown in FIG. 1. The first scope mount portion 354and the removeable member 350 thus cooperate to form a first scope ring368.

The first scope mount assembly 342 also includes a first fasteningelement 370 that is engageable with the accessory mounting system 38 toconnect the first scope mount assembly 342 to the firearm 18 (as shownin FIGS. 6 and 7). The first scope mount member 348 also defines a firstaperture 374 between the first fastening element 370 and the scope mountportion 354. More specifically, the first scope first scope mount member348 includes a first base portion 378 that, in the embodiment depicted,cooperates with the first fastening element 370 to interface with theaccessory mounting system 38. Two walls 382, 384 extend vertically fromthe base portion 378 and interconnect the base portion 378 and the scopemount portion 354. The base portion 378, the scope mount portion 354,and the two walls 382, 384 define the first aperture 374 therebetween.

The second scope mount assembly 346 is substantially identical to thefirst scope mount assembly 342 and includes the same features andelements as the first scope mount assembly 342. The scope mountapparatus thus includes first and second scope rings (i.e., the scopering 368 of the first scope mount 342 and the scope ring 368 of thesecond scope mount 346); at least one base (i.e., the base 378 of thefirst scope mount 342 and the base 378 of the second scope mount 346).At least one fastener 370 is operatively connected to the at least onebase 378 and engageable with the accessory attachment element 38 of thefirearm 18 to attach the at least one base 378 to the firearm 18.

In the embodiment depicted, the fastener 370 includes is a clamp member372 that cooperates with the base 378 to clamp onto the picatinny rail.More specifically, the clamp member 372 cooperates with the base 378 todefine a cavity that captures the wide portion of the rail therein. Theclamp member 372 is selectively movable with respect to the base 378 topermit entry of the rail into the cavity, and is securable with athreaded fastener 373 such that the rail is clamped between the base 378and the clamp member 372 as shown in the Figures. However, those skilledin the art will recognize a variety of fasteners that may be employed toconnect the scope mount apparatus with respect to a firearm within thescope of the claimed invention.

The scope mount apparatus 310 also includes structure (i.e., walls 382,384 of the first scope mount 342, and the walls 382, 384 of the secondscope mount 346) interconnecting the at least one base (i.e., the base378 of the first scope mount 342 and the base 378 of the second scopemount 346) and first and second scope rings (i.e., the scope ring 368 ofthe first scope mount 342 and the scope ring 368 of the second scopemount 346).

A sighting system is mounted with respect to the at least one base. Inthe embodiment depicted, the sighting system is an “iron sight” systemand includes a first sight member 400C mounted to the base 378 of thefirst scope mount 342 and a second sight member 424B mounted to the base378 of the second scope mount 346. The sighting system (424B, 400C) ispositioned such that, when the at least one fastener 372 is operativelyconnected to the accessory attachment element 38, a line 450 extendsbetween the scope rings 368 and the at least one base portion 378 andextends through the sighting system 400C, 424B.

The scope mount apparatus 310 includes first and second walls (382, 384of the first scope mount 342) interconnecting a base (i.e., base 378 ofthe first scope mount 342) and the first scope ring (i.e., scope ring368 of the first scope mount 342). Third and fourth walls (i.e., walls382, 384 of the second scope mount 346) interconnect a second base(i.e., base 378 of the second scope mount 346) and the second scope ring(i.e., scope ring 368 of the second scope mount 346).

The first wall, the second wall, the first base, and the first scopering define a first aperture 374. The third wall, the fourth wall, thesecond base, and the second scope ring define a second aperture 374. Thesighting system is at least partially within at least one of the firstand second apertures. More specifically, the first iron sight member400C is positioned within the first aperture 374 (defined by the firstscope mount 342). The second iron sight member 424B is positioned withinthe second aperture 374 (defined by the second scope mount 346).

In the embodiment depicted, the sight members 400C, 424B are removablymounted with respect to their respective bases 378. Each wall 382defines a first hole 390. Each wall 384 defines a second hole 392. Thefirst iron sight member 424B defines a third hole 408. The first ironsight member 424B is mounted with respect to the base 378 of the firstscope mount 342 by positioned the iron sight member 424B so that thethird hole 408 is aligned with the first hole 390 and the second hole392 and extending a fastening member such as a threaded bolt 420 throughthe first hole 390, the second hole 392, and the third hole 408. Eachbase 378 defines a respective planar surface 386 that partially definesthe aperture 374. The first iron sight member 400C includes a platformportion 406 rests on the planar surface 386 and through while hole 408extends.

Each base 378 also defines a respective threaded hole 388 in surface386. The second iron sight member 424B includes a threaded portion 426having external threads. The second iron sight member 424B is removablyconnectable to the base 378 of the second scope mount 346 by engagingthe threads of the threaded portion 426 with the threads of the threadedhole 388, i.e., by inserting the threaded portion 426 into the hole 388and rotating the second iron sight member 424B. In the embodimentdepicted, the base 378 defines a hole 375 the extends perpendicularlyfrom hole 388. A screw 377 within the hole 375 is rotated to pushagainst, and thereby secure, the second iron sight member 424B.

The first iron sight member 400C is removable by removing the threadedfastener 420. Similarly, the second iron sight member 424B is removableby rotating the second iron sight member 424B. The removable connectionsenable a user to customize the sight system. For example, FIGS. 9A-9Dschematically depict a group of iron sight members 400A, 400B, 400C,400D that are differently-configured from one another but have identicalinterfaces for connecting to the first scope mount 342.

More specifically, each of the members 400A, 400B, 400C, 400D includes arespective platform portion 406 defining a respective hole 408. Ironsight member 400A includes an annulus extending perpendicularly from theplatform portion 406 and defining a circular hole 404. Iron sight member400B is substantially identical to member 400A except that sight member400B includes partial cross-hairs 410 extending radially inward into thehole 404. Iron sight member 400C is substantially identical to member400A except that iron sight member 400C includes complete cross-hairs412 within the hole 404. Iron sight member 400D includes a rectangularplate 414 extending perpendicularly from the platform portion 406. Theplate 414 has a notch 416 formed in its upper surface.

FIGS. 11A-11D schematically depict a group of iron sight members 424A,424B, 424C, 424D that are differently-configured from one another buthave identical interfaces for connecting to the second scope mount 346,and more specifically, for insertion into the hole 388 of the secondscope mount 346. Iron sight members 424A, 424B, 424C, 424D each have arespective threaded portion 426. Iron sight member 424A includes a stem428 mounted to threaded portion 426. The step 428 has four stems 430extending perpendicularly therefrom. Iron sight member 424B includes asingle stem 432 extending from the threaded portion 426. Iron sightmember 424C includes the frustum 434 of a cone extending from thethreaded portion 426. A spherical portion 436 is attached to the narrowend of the frustum 434. Iron sight member 424D includes a cone 438extending from threaded portion 426.

Thus, each of the sight members 400A-D is mountable to the first scopemount 342, and each of the sight members 424A-D is mountable to thesecond scope mount 346, thereby enabling a user to select his or hermost desirable sighting system configuration. It should be noted that,although iron sights are schematically depicted, a user may also selectanother sighting system for attachment to the scope mounts, including,but not limited to, laser sights and red dot sights.

FIG. 12, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components fromFIGS. 1-22, schematically depicts yet another scope mount apparatus 510mounted to the firearm 18. The scope mount apparatus 510 issubstantially identical to the scope mount apparatus shown at 310 inFIGS. 6 and 7, except that scope mount apparatus 510 includes a single,unitary base 578 instead of separate base members 378. Walls 382, 384extend from the single, unitary base 578 to interconnect the two scoperings 368 to the single, unitary base 578. In the embodiment shown, theapparatus 510 includes two clamps 372, though one or more clamps orfasteners may be employed to connect the single base 578 to the firearm18 within the scope of the claimed invention.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the desired dimensions ofthe scope mount apparatus will depend on the dimensions of the scope 14to be used with the scope mount apparatus. For example, a scope with alarger objective lens may require walls 82, 182, 382, 384 that aretaller than a scope with a smaller objective lens. Similarly, thediameter of the holes 66, 166, 366 of the scope rings 68, 168, 368 mayvary depending on the diameter of the scope for which the scope mountapparatus is designed.

While the best modes for carrying out the disclosure have been describedin detail, those familiar with the art to which this disclosure relateswill recognize various alternative designs and embodiments forpracticing the disclosure within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A scope mount apparatus for use with a firearm having a receiver, abarrel operatively connected to the receiver, and an accessoryattachment element mounted to at least one of the receiver and barrel,the scope mount apparatus comprising: first and second scope rings; atleast one base; at least one fastener operatively connected to said atleast one base and engageable with the accessory attachment element toattach said at least one base to the firearm; structure interconnectingsaid at least one base and said first and second scope rings; and asighting system mounted with respect to said at least one base; whereinthe sighting system is positioned such that, when said at least onefastener is operatively connected to the accessory attachment element, aline extends between the scope rings and said at least one base portionand extends through the sighting system.
 2. The scope mount apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the sighting system is an iron sight system havingfirst and second iron sight members; and wherein the line extendsthrough the first and second iron sight members.
 3. The scope mountapparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one base includes a firstbase and a second base; wherein said at least one fastener includes afirst fastener operatively connected to the first base and a secondfastener operatively connected to the second base.
 4. The scope mountapparatus of claim 3, wherein said structure includes first and secondwalls interconnecting the first base and the first scope ring; andwherein said structure includes third and fourth walls interconnectingthe second base and the second scope ring.
 5. The scope mount apparatusof claim 4, wherein the first wall, the second wall, the first base, andthe first scope ring define a first aperture; wherein the third wall,the fourth wall, the second base, and the second scope ring define asecond aperture; and wherein the sighting system is at least partiallywithin at least one of the first and second apertures.
 6. The scopemount apparatus of claim 5, wherein the sighting system is an iron sightsystem having first and second iron sight members; wherein the firstiron sight member is positioned within the first aperture; and whereinthe second iron sight member is positioned within the second aperture.7. The scope mount apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sighting system isremovably mounted to said at least one base.
 8. The scope mountapparatus of claim 7, wherein the structure includes first and secondwalls interconnecting said at least one base and the first scope ring;wherein the first wall defines a first hole; wherein the second walldefines a second hole; wherein the sighting system defines a third hole;and wherein the scope mount assembly further includes a fastening memberextending through the first, second, and third holes.
 9. A firearmassembly comprising: a firearm having a receiver, a barrel operativelyconnected to the receiver, and an accessory mounting rail mounted to atleast one of the receiver and barrel; a scope mount apparatus includingfirst and second scope rings, at least one base, at least one fasteneroperatively connected to said at least one base and engaged with theaccessory mounting rail to attach said at least one base to theaccessory mounting rail, structure interconnecting said at least onebase and said first and second scope rings, and a sighting systemmounted with respect to said at least one base; a scope extendingthrough the first and second scope rings; wherein the sighting system ispositioned relative to the scope such that a line extends between thescope and said at least one base portion and intersects the sightingsystem.
 10. The firearm assembly of claim 9, wherein the sighting systemis an iron sight system having first and second iron sight members; andwherein the line extends through the first and second iron sightmembers.
 11. The firearm assembly of claim 9, wherein said at least onebase includes a first base and a second base; wherein said at least onefastener includes a first fastener operatively connected to the firstbase and a second fastener operatively connected to the second base. 12.The firearm assembly of claim 11, wherein said structure includes firstand second walls interconnecting the first base and the first scopering; and wherein said structure includes third and fourth wallsinterconnecting the second base and the second scope ring.
 13. Thefirearm assembly of claim 12, wherein the first wall, the second wall,the first base, and the first scope ring define a first aperture;wherein the third wall, the fourth wall, the second base, and the secondscope ring define a second aperture; and wherein the sighting system isat least partially within at least one of the first and secondapertures.
 14. The firearm assembly of claim 13, wherein the sightingsystem is an iron sight system having first and second iron sightmembers; wherein the line extends through the first and second ironsight members; wherein the first iron sight member is positioned withinthe first aperture; and wherein the second iron sight member ispositioned within the second aperture.
 15. The firearm assembly of claim9, wherein the sighting system is removably mounted to said at least onebase.
 16. The firearm assembly of claim 15, wherein the structureincludes first and second walls interconnecting said at least one baseand the first scope ring; wherein the first wall defines a first hole;wherein the second wall defines a second hole; wherein the sightingsystem defines a third hole; and wherein the scope mount apparatusfurther includes a fastening member extending through the first, second,and third holes.
 17. A method comprising: attaching a scope mountapparatus to a firearm, said scope mount apparatus including first andsecond scope rings, at least one base, at least one fastener operativelyconnected to said at least one base and engaged with the accessorymounting rail to attach said at least one base to the accessory mountingrail, structure interconnecting said at least one base and said firstand second scope rings, and a sighting system mounted with respect tosaid at least one base; attaching an optical scope to the scope mountapparatus such that the optical scope extends through the first andsecond scope rings; wherein the sighting system and the scope arearranged such that a line extends between the first and second scoperings and said at least one base portion; and wherein the line extendsthrough said sighting system.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein thesighting system is pre-installed to the scope mount apparatus prior tosaid attaching the scope mount apparatus to the firearm.
 19. The methodof claim 17, further comprising selecting the sighting system from agroup of differently-configured sighting systems; and attaching thesighting system to the scope mount apparatus.
 20. The method of claim19, wherein the scope mount apparatus includes first and second wallsinterconnecting said at least one base and the first scope ring; whereinthe first wall defines a first hole; wherein the second wall defines asecond hole; wherein the sighting system defines a third hole; andwherein said attaching the sighting system to the scope mount apparatusincludes positioning the sighting system such that the first hole, thesecond hole, and the third hole are aligned; and inserting a fasteningmember through the first, second, and third holes.